Michigan Reconsiders Drug Company Protections
In most states, someone who suffers personal injury, aggravated illness, or death caused by dangerous drugs can sue the manufacturer of those drugs. It seems reasonable that a drug manufacturer would be liable for dangerous products just like any other manufacturer who causes injury to the public.
However, Michigan lawmakers haven't seen it that way. Instead, a Michigan law enacted in 1996 protects drug manufacturers from civil liability to their victims if the drug in question had FDA approval. That statute came under scrutiny after Michigan residents harmed or killed by the drug Vioxx were barred from filing suit against Merck last year. Now, Michigan lawmakers are considering revising the statute to narrow the protections and allow Michigan residents more ability to seek compensation for drug-related injuries.